At the 2024 LIWA Aquatics Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 24th, we were excited to announce the successful election of Sian Edwards as the newest member of our Board. Sian, the Team Leader of Aquatics & Recreation for the Shire of Derby West Kimberley, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to regional aquatic communities, making her a perfect addition to the LIWA Aquatics leadership team.

This year, LIWA Aquatics called for nominations and expressions of interest from our membership to fill a vacant position on the Board. We were overwhelmed by the strong response, receiving seven high-quality nominations from highly skilled and experienced individuals across the aquatic and recreation sectors.

LIWA Aquatics would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all nominees for their willingness to contribute to our mission. We are fortunate to have had such a talented pool of candidates and encourage those who were not elected this time to re-nominate in the future, as their passion and expertise remain invaluable to the growth of our organization.

Sian Edwards’ journey in the aquatic and recreation industry spans over 18 years, during which she has held a variety of roles—ranging from swim teacher, pool operator, and surf lifesaver to elite-level swim coach and program manager. Her experience across regional and metropolitan aquatic facilities gives her a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different communities.

As a proud Aboriginal woman and emerging elder, Sian’s cultural heritage and ties to the Kimberley region equip her to offer a vital cultural perspective in guiding LIWA Aquatics toward more inclusive policies and Indigenous engagement initiatives. Her leadership in managing remote facilities highlights her ability to address issues related to access, inclusion, and community participation—all of which are core priorities for LIWA.

Sian is also well-regarded for her commitment to staff development, mentoring, and fostering local government partnerships. Her knowledge of community development and programming will undoubtedly enhance LIWA’s capacity to support its members and further the industry’s growth.

Upon her election, Sian shared her enthusiasm:

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent on the LIWA Board and am eager to give back to the industry that has profoundly shaped my career. With my knowledge and diverse experiences, I aim to tackle the challenges we face within our sector and collaborate with fellow members to foster innovation and growth. I believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for our industry and support one another in our shared goals. I look forward to actively participating in this journey and embracing the exciting developments that lie ahead.”

Sian’s election marks a significant step forward in LIWA Aquatics’ ongoing mission to promote inclusivity, innovation, and growth within the aquatic and recreation sector. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the meaningful contributions she will make in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Sian, and thank you to all who participated in this year’s election process! Together, we continue to build a strong, collaborative future for our industry.